Ed Reed Joins the Baltimore’s Defense

Its official, Ed Reed, safety extraordinaire for the Baltimore Ravens, has joined a growing group of Ravens’ defensive players who have chosen to play for other teams in 2013. He will be an addition to the already formidable defense of the Houston Texans in 2013.

The 34-year-old free safety, who started all 20 games in last season’s successful Super Bowl run, has agreed to join the Texans, according to a person informed of the progress of negotiations.

He joins Dannell Ellerbe, Paul Kruger, and Bernard Pollard, as a defensive group who were in the bottom third of the league last year, and have left an ensemble that has been decimated in the off season.

Quarterback Joe Flacco’s unrealistic contract also forced the Ravens to lose Anquan Boldin to the 49ers.

Reed’s departure does not come as a shock to teammates who got a crash course in the business side of the NFL over the last month.

“It’s not surprising,” Baltimore linebacker Albert McClellan told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday evening. “At the end of the day, he’s got to look out for himself and do whatever he can to help out his family. I’m pretty sure he wants to play, but he doesn’t want to play for something that he’s not worth. Nobody wants to play for less than they’re worth.”

Reed intended to rejoin the Ravens for the right price.

“I am a Raven, plan on being a Raven,” he told NFL Network in early March. “I couldn’t see myself anywhere else, but if it happens, I am a football player, I can adapt to any situation.”

“Ed Reed is one of the greatest safeties to ever play this game,” Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s not something that can ever be replaced. Ed is one of the most honest people I’ve encountered, from a place that you know is completely from his heart. He was a big mentor to me, and beyond that he’s been entrenched in the community in Baltimore.”

For the Ravens, Flacco will have to put up superhuman statistics this season, he will no longer have a defense to secure victories for the Super Bowl Champions.